Multiculturalism and Minority Religions in Britain: Krishna Consciousness, Religious Freedom and the Politics of Location (Curzon Studies in New Religious Movements) (Hardcover)

Product Description
This book provides a detailed case study of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Britain, examining a particular 15-year dispute involving ISKCON's main centre of worship at Bhaktivedanta Manor. The aim of the book is to look at the particular development of a new religious movement within the context of Britain, and at how the dispute has highlighted some important issues relating to minority religions' place within a multicultural but still hegemonically Christian society. The book examines how Bhaktivedanta Manor became an important focus for British Hindus, and how ISKCON made use of the Manor's popularity to develop closer ties with the Indian Hindu population. This confirms the process of the 'Indianisation' of the Hare Krishna movement, as through the 1980s and 1990s ISKCON sought to move away from their 'cult' or 'new religion' image into being perceived as a 'legitimate' strand of 'mainstream' Hinduism. At the same time, ISKCON sought to shape and develop the establishment of sanatan Hinduism in Britain.